The Abia Coordinator of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Alhaji Yunusa Tanimu, has said 1,652 corps members registered for 2026 Batch ‘C’ Stream II Orientation Course in the state.
Tanimu disclosed this on Friday during the opening ceremony at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Umunna, Bende LGA.
He said the corps members comprised 657 males and 995 females, drawn from different parts of the country.
He said additional 315 corps members dislodged from Rivers State also registered, comprising 105 males and 210 females.
Tanimu said orientation course marked formal commencement of service year and laid foundation for rewarding service.
He urged corps members to approach the programme with patriotism, integrity, discipline and open mind.
The coordinator thanked Gov. Alex Otti for resources, logistics and approval of second phase of camp renovation.
The governor who was represented by the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Chief Nwaobilor Ananaba, welcomed the corps members to the state.
He said the orientation provided foundation for rewarding experience and prepared corps members for responsibilities ahead.
Otti urged them to approach the service with discipline, commitment, humility and open mind.
He said Abia had become an attractive destination due to youth-friendly policies and transformations across sectors.
The governor reaffirmed commitment to security, welfare and well-being of corps members across state.
He said his administration had commenced payment of enhanced state allowance and provided furniture for NYSC secretariat in Umuahia.
Otti said he directed second phase of camp renovation, including officials’ accommodation, clinic, kitchen, administrative block and stores.
He also said erosion threats affecting parts of camp would be tackled to safeguard existing infrastructure.
He urged corps members to remain faithful to their allegiance oath, abide by the rules and participate actively in camp activities.
The governor called on residents and employers to receive corps members warmly and provide them with decent working conditions and accommodation.
The oath of allegiance was administered by the Chief Judge of Abia, Justice Lilian Abai, represented by Justice Benson Anya.
